The group carried out violent robberies throughout mid-Florida, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

TAMPA – The ringleader of a violent robbery organization that carried out crimes throughout mid-Florida has been sentenced to federal prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida said.

Marion Dwight, Jr., a/k/a “Woe,” 31, of Lakeland, was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and brandishing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.

Dwight pleaded guilty Feb. 23, 2018.

According to court documents, from at least May 2015 and continuing through July 20, 2017, Dwight conspired with others to commit multiple armed robberies and burglaries of several local drug dealers within the Middle District of Florida. Dwight was the leader of the organization and orchestrated the robberies.

To date, the FBI has identified at least 14 armed robberies and four armed burglaries that were committed by Dwight and his co-conspirators. The conspirators discharged and otherwise brandished firearms during the commission of all of the robberies and burglaries. In many instances, small children were present at the time of the robberies, officials said.

Dwight’s co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and each faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

“This case exemplifies the determination and dedication of the Tampa Bay Safe Streets Task Force to rid our communities of violent crime”, said Eric W. Sporre, special agent in charge of the FBI Tampa Division. “This gang brought fear and violence to neighborhoods from Clearwater to Orlando. I want to commend the work of our special agents, task force officers and prosecutors who worked diligently throughout this investigation to protect our community and stop the violence.”

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